I liked how this series wasn't unapologetic when dealing with the age gap between MInato and Shin. I also felt like the writers dealt with Akira's feelings realistically when it came to Shin. Also the fear of being way older than Shin not being good enough for him and dealing with society hit me hard. I understood where Minato was coming from. Sure the story dragged in those moments and felt like it hit a snag. But, at the same time those were the moments where the actors really shone and their chemistry did too. I feel like their chemistry really saved the series when it got reduntant. Could it have been written better? Yes! But like I said Minato's struggle felt real to me and I like that the writers kept it real.
I also really enjoyed Shin's character. He never once gave up no matter how many times life threw him down when it came to Minato. He fought til the end and got what he wanted.
Minato's character was also realistic in how he dealt with his insecurities, those are not a quick fix so I like how he took his time to learn how to heal himself from past pain & indecisiveness/cowardliness.
All in all I liked MSCL because even when it was angsty, it mostly delivered in the cuteness. The characters were well rounded and the actors were good with their work here.
Overall I give it an 8.0. Not too deep of a series as others but it does make you think and handles some situations well. In the end this series is a good time that leaves the audience satisfied and happy with the conclusion.